I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. I know I did! I took advantage of the world slowing down for a couple days and spent a lot of time on my couch watching Christmas movies, and being a total slug. But that's done now and we are back at work and moving full steam ahead.

As far as I can tell, what has happened in the legislature since my last message on Nov 17 is a whole lot of nothing! Clearly, the legislature has followed my lead of couch sitting and movie watching.

In the whole of the 4th Special Session, one bill has been passed and sent to the Governor. It's SB4, making it a state crime to enter the state illegally. SB3, the funding for border barriers passed both chambers, but the House amended it so it's back to the Senate to approve the amendment. Or not.

The Governor's primary reason for calling special sessions - School Choice - is now in serious jeopardy after the House version of school choice, HB1, was amended during debate on Nov 17, to strip the entire ESA section out of the bill. The amendment, by Rep. John Raney, passed 84/63, with 21 Republicans voting for it. It has now been recommitted to the Educational Opportunity & Enrichment Committee, with no action taken since then.

As a result of the amendment vote on HB1, the Governor has started to use his endorsement bully pulpit to endorse against those incumbent Republicans who voted for the amendment, and endorse for those who voted against it. He announced several new endorsements this week, including Mike Olcott, HD60, Trey Wharton, HD12, Hilary Hickland, HD55, and Daniel Alders, HD6, and others. I'm sure there will be more to come. The Governor is apparently going to use his money and influence for candidates based solely on this single issue. On this subject, we are clearly a House divided.

There is good news on the Primary Election front, as many of the bad incumbents are dropping out either to retire or run for a different office. According to the Texan.News , there are currently 15 House members and 1 Senator not seeking reelection:

"To date, 15 Texas House members and one state senator have announced they will not seek re-election next year. They are listed below. One asterisk denotes a member who is retiring and two denote a member running for another office."

Charles "Doc" Anderson (R-Waco)*
Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth)**
Abel Herrero (D-Robstown)*
Jarvis Johnson (D-Houston)**
Julie Johnson (D-Farmers Branch)**
Kyle Kacal (R-College Station)*
Tracy King (D-Batesville)*
Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria)*
Andrew Murr (R-Junction)*
Lina Ortega (D-El Paso)*
Four Price (R-Amarillo)*
John Raney (R-College Station)*
Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler)*
Carl Sherman (D-DeSoto)**
Drew Springer (R-Muenster)*
Ed Thompson (R-Pearland)*

This is a rare opportunity for Republicans to pick up additional seats. Are you ready for the 2024 Primaries? If not, it's time to get there. TTP Satellite group leaders are meeting this month to interview and vet local candidates and make recommendations. On the State level, the TTP Board will make recommendations in as many races as we can. Check back often to our website page devoted to Election 2024. On that page you will also find our "How To" Election videos to help you prepare for 2024.

Mark your calendars for the TTP Day of Action on Jan 27, when we will engage activists from all over the State to block walk, phone bank, text, or whatever needs doing to help our candidates. We need as many people as possible engaged in this special day!

1) Consider being a poll worker for the 2024 Primaries. Poll workers can be the front line defense of election integrity! Most poll worker positions are paid positions. Contact your local County GOP office for information. We need Republican poll workers in every precinct!

2) Reserve January 27 to participate in the TTP Day of Action. More details will be available later, but plan to spend this day with our Texas Army of activists to boost voter turn out and help our recommended candidates.

3) The RPT State Convention is coming up soon. The process starts with Precinct Conventions in your local area right after the Primary Election. Next step is Senate District (or County) Conventions, and then State Convention. This year's State Convention is in San Antonio, May 23-25. For folks who want to get involved, the convention process is a good place to start. Start planning now to participate in the entire process. TTP will have a presence at State Convention, and I hope to see many of you there.

That's all for this week. We'll keep an eye on things in Austin and report when there's something to report!

PS: When I picked up the TTP mail this week, there was the sweetest note from a supporter, along with a donation. It included words of appreciation and encouragement, which greatly inspired me. I'm so grateful to our True Texas Army of activists who work alongside Julie and me and the Satellite Teams to make great things happen in Texas. I challenge you to inspire someone today!